Celtics Struggle to Overcome Defending Champs in NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics have had an incredible season, achieving numerous milestones and unforgettable moments. However, there is one glaring gap in their otherwise impressive résumé: they have yet to defeat the defending champions. The question now arises: can they overcome the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals?
In their recent game against the Nuggets, the Celtics once again struggled to find an answer for Nikola Jokić. Throughout the season, the Celtics have relied on their strategic prowess to outsmart their opponents. But when it comes to facing Jokić, they simply can’t seem to find a winning move.
Jayson Tatum, who gained momentum in the MVP race after the All-Star break, failed to find consistency on both ends of the floor in this game. This performance may have closed the door on his candidacy for the award. The Celtics would have needed an exceptional record for Tatum to have a chance, but Jokić’s dominance in the game overshadowed Tatum’s impact.
Tatum, however, remained humble and emphasized the importance of team dynamics. “So it’s not upon me to like hijack the game and try to make it about me and it’s a national TV game,” he said. “Other guys had it going. So if I have to be in the corner, if I have to be a facilitator at times, so be it.”
While Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 41 points and kept the Celtics within striking distance, their half-court offense struggled against Denver’s defense. The Celtics made too many mistakes, including turnovers, defensive lapses, and missed free throws. Brown acknowledged that these mistakes ultimately cost them the game.
Although this loss was partly self-inflicted, it was primarily due to Jokić’s exceptional performance. The Celtics tried various defensive strategies to contain him, but none were successful. Jokić’s ability to find open teammates, such as Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., made it even more challenging for the Celtics to stop him.
“He’s just so smart, so crafty, so many things that you don’t see that he does on the floor that helps that team win,” said Kristaps Porziņģis, who struggled to guard Jokić. “Whenever you over help him just a little bit, he will find Gordon, he will find all these guys, and it just speaks of how valuable he is for them and what he does for them. Really, really, really hard to stop.”
The Celtics are still searching for the right balance between stopping Jokić and fielding their best lineup. The coaching staff faces the challenge of determining who gets the crucial defensive assignments in the big moments. Brown has been eager to take on these challenges, but it remains to be seen how the team will manage these decisions moving forward.
Despite having the best record in the NBA, the Celtics understand that their regular-season success means little if they can’t secure a championship. They have yet to prove themselves against the defending champions and must find a way to overcome this hurdle. The Nuggets currently hold the upper hand, and the Celtics are aware that they need to reach another level to compete with them.
“We hope to see them again,” said Porziņģis, acknowledging that there is room for improvement and growth for the Celtics. This loss serves as a wake-up call for the team, reminding them of the mental fortitude required in the playoffs and the need to eliminate unnecessary emotional plays and technical fouls.
The Celtics remain a great team, but the Nuggets have proven to be a formidable opponent. The Celtics’ aspirations of reaching another level are not unfounded, but they must be prepared for a tough battle against a team that matches up well with them in every aspect of the game.
(Photo of Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokić: Ron Chenoy/USA Today)
